Comedy actor arrested in 'internet crime' probe

Award-winning comedy actor Chris Langham has been arrested as part of an investigation into internet child pornography.

The 56-year-old, named Best Television Comedy Actor at the British Comedy Awards on Wednesday night, was questioned by Kent Police 17 days ago at Tonbridge police station and released on bail.

In a statement issued through his lawyer, Langham, from Cranbrook, Kent, told PA: "I was arrested by police as a result of an inquiry into offences relating to computer use. I was interviewed and bailed to return to the police station on a date in February.

"I have not been charged with any offence and have made no admissions to any criminal acts.

"I ask that during the course of this investigation you respect the privacy of my family for whom this event has been extremely traumatic.

"I am advised that I can make no further comment on this investigation at this stage and will not be doing so."

Langham was a surprise winner at Wednesday's awards ceremony for his portrayal of minister Hugh Abbot in The Thick Of It, screening on BBC4. He also stars as a psychotherapist in the BBC2 sitcom Help.

Inspector Mark Holt, of Kent Police, said: "A 56-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, November 29 at an address in Cranbrook, west Kent, in connection with an ongoing investigation into internet-related crime.

"He was spoken to. He has been released on bail."

A police source confirmed that the arrest related to child porn offences.